Online MBA in India

A Career is a LifeCAREERS360

Online MBA

in India

2

Copyright 2013 Careers360 http://www.bschool.careers360.com/

Table of Contents

What is this book about? ..................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION: ONLINE MBA ........................................................................................ 4

Online Versus Campus Learning ...................................................................................... 4

The Perception of Online MBAs ........................................................................................ 5

The Pros and Cons of Online Programs ......................................................................... 6

What to Expect in Your Online MBA Program ............................................................ 8

Choosing an online MBA program ................................................................................. 10

Online MBA Courses ............................................................................................................ 12

Colleges Offering Online MBA .......................................................................................... 16

3


What is this book about?

The internet revolution has altered every aspect of our life. We are in a phase now, wherein

everything that can be done in the real world can now be done virtually in the web world,

iludig furtherig oes eduatio ad otaiig a degree, diploa, ertificate or a qualification. With the higher education sector turning to be more and more expensive and

the internet becoming more and more accessible, students are now exploring the online

education sector to overcome the barriers of boundaries to achieve their dreams.

Online MBA-by far is the most innovative way of delivering assistance and course material

to students who are otherwise bound by constraints that deters them from pursuing the

course through traditional means. Today, in India the online MBA programs are at par with

the global business management programs.

If you are one these who thought of having MBA in online mode then this is the guide for

you. This book focuses on the online MBA offered by many institutions. This book is an

effective guide in telling you what all things should be kept in mind while going for an online

MBA; what are its advantages and disadvantages, what all courses are being offered in

online MBA and which all colleges provided online MBA.

4


INTRODUCTION: ONLINE MBA

Recently there has been an influx of B- schools offering online MBA programs.

Depending on the B-school, these online MBA programs are named from 'blended learning

MBA, to 'e-learning MBAs , ad fro 'Sart MBA, to the more traditionally branded 'distane learig MBA. Online MBA courses are designed for convenient access from anywhere in the world with an

internet connection. If they choose, students can embark on the tough challenge of studying

part time while working to pay the bills, looking after a family or even studying full time on

the opposite side of the world from where the actual business school is based.

Online MBA is a comprehensively designed programme aimed at practicing managers,

executives in public enterprises and other mid-managerial cadres. The online MBA is a

student-centred programme that instils a thorough insight into both the conceptual as well

as the practical skills involved in

Management. The online MBA curriculum is

drawn out of the best available programmes

to hone the managerial skills of students and

keep them updated with the latest business

development techniques. Classes and

communication for online MBA is usually

through chat rooms, discussion boards, e-

mail, and even videos. Some of the MBA

specializations offered via online MBA include HR, Financial Management, Retail

Management, Sales Management, and Operation & Logistics Management, Information

Technology etc.

Online Versus Campus Learning

On-campus and distance programs are similar in terms that students are essentially

receiving the same education in terms of courses, curriculum and objectives. At times

specific assignments or projects may differ as to better accommodate an online format. For

instance a project would be on a scaled down level for online student as compared to full

time student.

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One of the biggest differences between the

two is the way that information is

distributed and received. Campus

programs allow for in-person lectures,

face-to-face discussions. In online

programs, technology takes the place of

physicality, allowing students to use the

Internet to watch a streaming video

lecture, participate in a class discussion via

chat room. Online programs deliver the

same curricula in same time duration to students as on-campus ones but in a different way.

The Perception of Online MBAs

The stigmas that may have been associated with online education in the past are almost

oeistet i todas soiet. Oer the ears these tpes of programs have gained more recognition, making the online

MBA a valuable asset in the corporate environment. Perhaps

this is why more and more public and private universities are

getting on board and adapting their traditional on-campus

MBA curriculum to an online format.

An online MBA is just as valuable as one earned through a

traditional program, as students are required to master the

same curriculum, meet the same expectations and rise to the

same challenges. When it comes to receiving your diploma,

there will likely be no differentiation between MBA graduates who completed their course

work on campus and those who did it online. Many of these schools argue that MBA

students are taught very similar if not the same curricula, and therefore graduate with the

same skills."No matter which MBA platform a student chooses, everyone earns the same

qualification". Technology makes it possible to conduct business from anywhere in the

world, so utilizing it to complete an MBA can be a smart business decision.

6


The Pros and Cons of Online Programs

Advantages of an online MBA program are:

1. It gives you the ability to pursue your degree while maintaining your career.

Whether full-time or part-time, those with demanding work schedules often are

unable to take time out of their day to attend class.

2. Online MBA program is best for those looking for flexible scheduling options, as they

are distributed through a virtual learning environment that is accessible 24/7.

Executives trig to alae shool ad ork dot hae to e strethed too thi as they have the freedom to

complete course work around

their job obligations.

3. You dot hae to reloate to receive a graduate education.

These days school choice is

not limited by those located

within a convenient mile

radius but by those that offer

an online MBA option. The

number of schools offering

online MBAs is increasing daily as more and more brick and mortar universities

incorporate Web education into their business programs. With the power of

technology, you can easily receive your IIM level education anywhere.

4. The cost of study is not much as compared to a full time or part time MBA. Hence

not a big burn in your pocket.

5. You could be considered a hard working and dedicated person by industry people

because you are managing two tough lives together, i.e., studying and working.

Therefore, chances of promotion are more as compared to others.

6. Without interrupting existing job new skills can be developed. You can enhance and

update your present knowledge base.

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Drawbacks of online MBA:

There are also drawbacks when it comes to online MBA programs. They are:

1. For those students who learn best by attending lectures and studying the course

material presented in those lectures, an online program might not be the most

beneficial choice as it may lack the structure, accountability or direction that is

needed. Online MBA programs utilize tools such as streaming videos, interactive chat

rooms and Internet discussion boards to distribute information and facilitate

learning. Although this may be adequate

instruction for some students, it may not be for

others, so its iportat to take ito consideration whether face-to-face interaction

is necessary for you or not. If personal

attention is what you are looking for then

online MBA is not for you.

2. Biggest disadvantage associated with online

learning is that you will be unable to take

advantage of the perks associated with a

traditional on-campus experience especially if you are looking for career shift. For

example, students who are seeking internship or recruiting opportunities during

their graduate education may not get what they need through an online program as

on-campus programs are more likely to provide career shift.

3. Your choice is limited as only selected schools offer online MBA programs. You may

be required to attend a school that is not your first choice.

4. If you have a field job or touring job, you may feel difficulty in completing MBA.

8


What to Expect in Your Online MBA Program

Online MBA programs vary greatly in quality, types of courses offered, content delivery

ethods, fous ad target audiee, so its iportat to do areful researh to deterie which program best meets your needs and career goals. However, there are a few

characteristics that most online MBA programs which can guide you for enrolling in the

program.

Program Timeline

Most online MBA programs require a minimum of 18 months to 24 months to complete

your study. Full-time students are typically enrolled in four to six courses per semester. To

do well in their classes, students are often urged to spend about 20 hours per week on

program course work outside of lectures. Those 20 hours are typically spent studying,

completing assignments, participating in team meetings, reading textbooks or preparing for

presentations. Although the number of hours you spend on class outside of lectures will

fluctuate from week to week, it will always represent a serious time commitment, which is

why online students must possess excellent time management skills and self-discipline.

Those who juggle a 40-hour workweek while going to school will appreciate the flexibility of

online courses, often opting to earn their MBA part time to meet all their obligations.

Lecture Access

The majority of the courses offered in online MBA programs are asynchronous. That means

students can access to lectures 24/7 and are not required to log in at a specific time of day.

It also means students often have the opportunity to

fast-forward or rewind video or audio files of

lectures, which is helpful for taking notes or

understanding material. You can also participate in

some Web conferencing related to your course work

that requires you to be online at a certain time.

Another occasion where you might have to be online

at a certain time is to Web conference or chat with

classmates for group projects. The benefit of

asynchronous online lectures is that you can access

them at a time of day that works best with your schedule. This flexibility is great for working

executives with families and other responsibilities and at oit to a apus-based program and prefer a more self-paced one.

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When you log in to your course management system, you can see all the lectures listed

related to course that you are urretl takig. Clik to aess eah ourses sllaus, lectures for the week, assignments, link it to study guides and study material and updates.

Included in most classes are online discussion boards where students talk about the

material as the professor guides the instruction. When students complete an assignment,

they may email the file directly to their professor or upload it to a drop box embedded in

the course management system.

Lectures @ my speed

A student learning from home can pause a lecture to grab something to eat and then

resume upon returning. If a professor is discussing a difficult concept in a lecture, the

student can rewind and replay that segment as many times as he/she needs to understand

the material. There would be no hurrying up to

take notes; a student can take all the time they

need to absorb the concept. They can also take

the time to thoughtfully consider how to respond

to the discussion board questions their professors

propose.

Studying@ my Pace but with self discipline

One of the chief benefits of online MBA programs is the flexibility they provide students for

completing their degree program at their own pace. Instead of attending rigidly scheduled

class times at a brick-and-mortar campus, students log in to their courses at home or any

other location with Internet access at a time of day that suits them best. But the dot hae all the time in the world to complete their assignment as they have fixed deadlines and if

students take too long to view the lectures and complete assigned reading, they will fall

seriousl ehid i their ourses. Ultiatel, all of a studets ork ust e opleted the end of the traditional semester or module. So online students must be every bit as

responsible and self-disciplined as a traditional student, particularly because they do not

experience the accountability that they would by going to class in a physical classroom and

facing their professors day in and day out.

Examinations and Group Assignments

Exams are also typically posted to the course site timed or proctored via webcam. Timed

online exams may be delivered through a system that does not permit students to leave the

testing screen to potentially surf the Web for answers. Some colleges require on campus

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test. Often alternative arrangements can be made for those who cannot make campus

visits, they are asked to demonstrate their knowledge through essays, research papers and

individual and group projects. Group projects are challenging, as members may never meet

one another in person and must learn how to communicate and divvy up the work. This

helps prepare students for the real world, when effective business leaders must find ways of

working as a team even when fellow members are spread out in different cities or countries.

Lets Connect

Even though MBA students may never meet their

professors or lassates, the dot iss out o interaction with them. Professors and students

communicate with one another via instant message,

email, phone, Web conferencing and online

discussion boards. Such discussion boards are the

primary way an online professor assesses a

studets lass partiipatio. Many institutes set up virtual query hours in which students can ask their doubts via instant messages or a phone

call.

And Everything Else

The textbooks and supplies for online classes are selected by the professor, and might

include traditional textbooks, e-textbooks, CD-ROMs, workbooks and other supplementary

materials. Everything you will need will be included in your syllabus and course description.

The specific classes vary from program to program, but overall you can expect to take

courses focusing on finance, accounting, management, marketing, organizational

leadership, international business, and information technology. Depending on your interest,

you may take a specialization in a particular area.

Choosing an online MBA program

So you have decided to pursue an online MBA program. But you are not sure how to

proceed. You have no idea how to evaluate a program. Many questions regarding the value

of the program comes in your mind.

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Points to check while choosing an online MBA program are:

Accreditation:

The first and foremost point to be considered while choosing an online MBA program is the

accreditation. Accreditation is a validation process by which certain authorized bodies

evaluate the quality of the program on the lines of set academic standards. Checking the

accreditation of the course is essential as only accredited courses are recognized and valued

by employers. Also an accreditation talks immensely about the quality of the program

thereby ensuring that the degree obtained is recognized. Ideally, your MBA program should

be recognized by an authorized MBA accreditation body like AICTE, UGC OR DEC. A program

can have a single accreditation or can even be accredited by multiple bodies. Check the

accreditation for the authenticity of the program.

Curriculum:

Most students assume that the curriculum of an online program would be easier and lighter

than the one followed in regular classes. However, the curriculums followed by the online

programs are almost similar to the traditional classroom curriculums .Try and compare the

online curriculum with the traditional lassroos so as to assess the olie progra. Faculty:

The requirement of knowledgeable, experienced and qualified teachers is a factor that

cannot be overlooked in online programs. Like in the traditional MBA classrooms, the

instructor in an online program should also meet the standard quality. Do not get fooled by

administrator who will pose as a teacher on online programs. Check for the faculty who is

well qualified and tech-savvy before you enrol yourself on a particular online MBA program.

Ranking:

Rankings of a program will help you assess the quality of the program. There are various

recognized and authorized organizations which evaluate the online programs on a basis of a

few parameters and rank the programs. These ranking will help you choose some of the

best programs as some of the parameters used to rank the programs include course work,

faculty, interaction of the faculty and students, technology etc. Also make sure that the

rankings are provided by some authorized bodies.

Technology:

Technology is the key aspect for all online programs. In order to enhance your virtual

learning experience, your online program should embrace advanced technology that is user

friendly and hassle free to help you progress in the curriculum. You should have access to

the course material, lectures, videos, presentations, project details and you should be able

to track your grades and progress in the program throughout the entire study duration.

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Online MBA Courses

Online MBA programs are composed of challenging courses meant to equip students for

management and other leadership positions in the business world. Building on what

students already know, MBA classes outline best practices for problem-solving and

communicating in a business environment, delving into business theory and its practical,

real-world applications. Students update their skill sets, refreshing their knowledge of

business technology and software. Most of the courses challenge student with help of case

studies or research into the area related to their interest in business administration. The

ourses offered i todas olie MBA progras are iterdisipliar, touhig o a ariet of interconnected areas. Although the specific classes you take will differ from program to

program, most will include the core topics of finance,

accounting, management, marketing, global or international

business, and technology.

Heres a list of fe ourses that are offered i olie MBA: 1. Accounting

Financial Accounting: This course emphasizes how to

read, analyze and interpret financial statements and

ouiate ital iforatio aout a opas financial health to its leadership. Accounting procedure

and methods are also emphasized.

Managerial Accounting: Students in this class get prepared for leadership roles

whe aagig a opas aouts ith a ephasis o deisio akig. Students get an in-depth look at cost behaviour, cost analysis, and profit

planning, control measures and capital budgeting decisions.

Cost Accounting: This course explores accounting as it relates to job order and

process costing, cost-volume-profit analysis, activity-based costing, variable

costing, budgeting, standard costing systems and variance analysis. Decision

making and differentiation between direct and indirect costs are also

emphasized.

Forensic Accounting: The means of investigative auditing for fraud, building a

case for litigation and methods for quantifying damages caused by instances of

fraud are covered in this class along with legal issues.

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Tax Accounting: This class equips students with an in-depth understanding of

central and state taxation for people, companies and large organizations. It

explores federal income tax laws and how they apply to corporations,

partnerships, estates and trusts. They also learn the taxation best practices. This

subject is slowly and steadily gaining recognition.

2. Finance

Financial Analysis: Through case studies, students taking this course get an

intensive look at effective methods for corporate financial reporting, with

emphasis on asset evaluation and determining future income. A Student can

learn how to analyze and interpret financial statements and communicate data

effectively to other team members.

Corporate Finance: This class emphasizes capital budgeting techniques, risk

management and uncertainty, investment decisions, company valuation and

financial planning. It also explores legal and ethical concerns in corporate finance.

This type of course equips students for the role of chief financial officer.

Risk Management: In this class, students discover best practices for protecting

firms from losses by hedging with derivatives. They learn to identify, evaluate and

monitor the financial price risks that corporations face.

3. Management

Organizational Leadership: Through case studies, focus on teaching students

modern management strategies such as networking, coaching, cultivating

diversity, crisis leadership, delegation of responsibilities, team leadership and

individual leadership.

Supply Chain Management: This course provides students with a solid foundation

in materials and logistics management from the perspective of a general

manager. Students learn strategies for customer service, quality control and

management of inventory. The focus is on how logistical decisions affect the

company or organization overall.

Management Communication: Effective internal and external communication

strategies for managers are explored in this course. Conflict management and

communication from the top down are emphasized. Students also learn how to

tailor their communication for various audiences.

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Operations Management: Operations Management explores the planning,

operation and controlling of products and services. Project management,

inventory management, forecasting and quality control are emphasized.

Human Capital Management: Often included in a human resources management

concentration, human capital management teaches managers how to effectively

develop and cross-train personnel, helping them to attain their career goals

within a company.

Strategic Planning and Implementation: Students in this course learn leadership

skills as they apply to planning for the future. A key point of this class is teaching

studets the alue of a opas ission, vision and values. Project Management: This class teaches students effective techniques for

planning, managing, controlling and executing projects of varying scope and the

assigning of responsibilities and risk management for major projects.

4. Marketing

Marketing Management: Building on basic marketing concepts, this course helps

students apply those concepts in a management capacity. Students look at

pricing, distribution, and promotion and consumer behaviour and learn to

develop strategies for effectively marketing goods and services.

Marketing Research: Students learn to define marketing problems, gather data

and conduct research in this class. Students also discover how to interpret the

results of their research and discuss their implications for marketing.

Product Management: This explores strategies for overseeing the

conceptualization, development, prototypes, product design and labelling, test

marketing and national launch of new or revamped products.

5. Global or International Business

International Business Strategy: This course focuses on economics, finance,

marketing, technology and operations in a global context. Lectures discuss how to

do business in other countries and what it means to lead in cross-cultural

settings.

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Global Leadership: Students learn the importance of cultivating the

characteristics of a global mind-set and how this relates to leadership in this class.

Emphasis is placed on leading international teams.

Global Economic Environment: This course gives students strategies for

competing in an international business environment. Students study how to

overcome barriers to doing business in diverse cultures, economies and political

environments. Exchange rate risk management is a component of this class.

6. Business Technology/ information system Management

Information Systems for Managers: Designed to help managers become

information literate, this class explores the various information systems they will

encounter. These might include database management, executive information

and expert systems.

Introduction to Information Security: This course teaches students how to protect

sensitive company information from getting compromised while allowing access

to those who need the information to do their jobs. Controls and

countermeasures are emphasized.

Information Security, Ethics and Policy: The legal and ethical issues associated

with information security are examined in this class, with a particular focus on

government policy.

7. Other Courses

Business Law: In this class, students get a thorough understanding of the

American legal system as it applies to businesses and corporations and how

business law applies to making informed business decisions to avoid legal risk.

Business Research and Statistics: Students enrolled in this course study statistics

and probability as they apply to making business decisions. Students will define a

research question and gather information on it.

Business Policy: How the administrative team of a company develops policies that

affect employees is considered in this class. Case studies are closely examined.

Entrepreneurship: This course examines strategies for launching business

ventures, including initiating a marketable concept, drafting an effective business

plan and acquiring start-up capital. Creativity and innovation are emphasized.

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Business Economics: Students in this class look at economic principles such as

supply and demand, scarce resources and opportunity costs and how they apply

to the world of business. An emphasis is placed on economic strategies for

maximizing profit.

Human Resource Management: This course looks at management strategies for

recruiting and hiring the best personnel and retaining those employees by

supporting and developing them. Theories of motivation and maximizing human

capital are emphasized.

Business Ethics: Students in this class learn how to build ethical practices into a

opas issio, alues ad oerall usiess strategies. Nuerous ase studies are typically examined.

Colleges Offering Online MBA

Heres a list of olleges offerig olie MBA: S no. NAME OF INSTITUTE WEBSITE

1. 1 361 Degree Minds http://www.361dm.com/

2. 2 AIMA http://www.aima.in/education-services/e-

learning-courses/epgdm.html

3. 3 All Tere Life Varsity Online Education provider http://www.clubforeducation.com/registrat

ion/

4. 4 Amity university E-learning http://amityelearning.com/amityelearning

web/webforms/AmityOnline/

5. 5 Centre for Technology Enabled learning http://www.ctel-india.com/

6. Don Bosco University for online and Distance

Education

http://trial.dbuniversity.ac.in/onlinedistanc

e-education.php

7. 8 Hughes Education http://www.hugheseducation.com/

8. 9 Max value University http://www.maxvalueuniv.com/

9. 1 NIIT Imperia http://www.niitimperia.com/

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0

10. 1

1

SCDL (Symbiosis Centre of Distance Learning) http://www.scdl.net/

11. 1

2

PTU (Punjab Technical University) http://www.ptuonline.com/elearning/progr

ammes.php

12. 1

3

IMT CDL http://www.imtcdl.ac.in/programmes.htm

13.

4

IICT (Indian Institute of Commerce and Trade,

Lucknow)

http://www.iict.in

14.

5

IMSR http://www.imsrindia.com/mba.html

15. MGU http://www.mgu.edu.in/index.php

16. University18 http://www.university18.in/

Online MBA in India

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